Effect of temperature on the gasification of animal fat: Preliminary results

In this work, steam reforming of animal fat was studied using a fixed bed reactor. The effect of temperature was evaluated in the range of 750 and 950°C. Gas chromatography was used to analyze the gas sample and determine the gas composition. The results showed that the temperature greatly influences the gas composition and gasification process. The gasification parameters increased with the temperature rise, and the best results were obtained at the highest tested temperature.N/

An in vitro experimental investigation of oscillatory flow in the cerebral aqueduct

This in vitro study aims at clarifying the relation between the oscillatory flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cerebral aqueduct, a narrow conduit connecting the third and fourth ventricles, and the corresponding interventricular pressure difference. Dimensional analysis is used in designing an anatomically correct scaled model of the aqueduct flow, with physical similarity maintained by adjusting the flow frequency and the properties of the working fluid. The time-varying pressure difference across the aqueduct corresponding to a given oscillatory flow rate is measured in parametric ranges covering the range of flow conditions commonly encountered in healthy subjects. Parametric dependences are delineated for the time-averaged pressure fluctuations and for the phase lag between the transaqueductal pressure difference and the flow rate, both having clinical relevance. The results are validated through comparisons with predictions obtained with a previously derived computational model. The parametric quantification in this study enables the derivation of a simple formula for the relation between the transaqueductal pressure and the stroke volume. This relationship can be useful in the quantification of transmantle pressure differences based on non-invasive magnetic-resonance-velocimetry measurements of aqueduct flow for investigation of CSF-related disorders.National Institutes of Health/ National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke through contract # 1R01NS120343-0

Constraining the primordial spectrum of metric perturbations from gravitino and moduli production

We consider the production of gravitinos and moduli fields from quantum vacuum fluctuations induced by the presence of scalar metric perturbations at the end of inflation. We obtain the corresponding occupation numbers, up to first order in perturbation theory, in terms of the power spectrum of the metric perturbations. We compute the limits imposed by nucleosynthesis on the spectral index $n_s$ for different models with constant $n_s$. The results show that, in certain cases, such limits can be as strong as $n_s<1.12$, which is more stringent than those coming from primordial black hole production.Comment: 16 pages, LaTeX, 5 figures. Corrected figures, new references included. Final version to appear in Phys. Rev.

Desulfurization of Dibenzothiophene by Pseudomonas fluorescens (UCP 1514) Leading to the Production of Biphenyl

Dibenzothiophene (DBT) is a typical recalcitrant thiophenic sulfur component of fuels, and its desulphurization has been a model reaction in the treatment of these compounds. Based on this information, the potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens (UCP 1514) on the desulfurization of dibenzothiphene was studied, in order to use it for reducing the sulfur content of diesel oil in compliance with environmental regulations. The result of biodegradation by the bacteria was determined by undertaking high-performance liquid chromatography of the metabolites produced. These can also be identified by gas chromatography with a mass spectrometry detector, and doing so revealed a sulfur-free product, biphenyl, as the final product of the degradation process. The results showed a decrease of 73% in dibenzothiophene content, which means that P. fluorescens removes sulfur from dibenzothiophene with a good selectivity to form biphenyl. These promising results indicate that P. fluorescens has an interesting potential to degrade sulfur-containing compounds in diesel oil and thereby could help in removing sulfur content from diesel oil. The process of microbial desulfurization described herein can be used particularly after carrying out hydrodesulfurization. Consequently, the sulfur content could be reduced even further. Applying P. fluorescens UCP 1514 in dibenzothiophene could help to understand the nature of the biodegradation process and to achieve the regulatory standards for sulfur level in fossil fuels

Natural variation in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals shoot ionome, biomass, and gene expression changes as biomarkers for zinc deficiency tolerance

Zinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient for plants, with a crucial role as a cofactor for many enzymes. Approximately one-third of the global arable land area is Zn deficient, leading to reduced crop yield and quality. To improve crop tolerance to Zn deficiency, it is important to understand the mechanisms plants have adopted to tolerate suboptimal Zn supply. In this study, physiological and molecular aspects of traits related to Zn deficiency tolerance were examined in a panel of 19 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. Accessions showed a larger variation for shoot biomass than for Zn concentration, indicating that they have different requirements for their minimal Zn concentration required for growth. Accessions with a higher tolerance to Zn deficiency showed an increased expression of the Zn deficiency-responsive genes ZIP4 and IRT3 in comparison with Zn deficiency-sensitive accessions. Changes in the shoot ionome, as a result of the Zn treatment of the plants, were used to build a multinomial logistic regression model able to distinguish plants regarding their Zn nutritional status. This set of biomarkers, reflecting the A. thaliana response to Zn deficiency and Zn deficiency tolerance, can be useful for future studies aiming to improve the performance and Zn status of crop plants grown under suboptimal Zn concentrations

Mindfulness Training Improves Quality of Life and Reduces Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Police Officers: Results From the POLICE Study—A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Police officers'' high-stress levels and its deleterious consequences are raising awareness to an epidemic of mental health problems and quality of life (QoL) impairment. There is a growing evidence that mindfulness-based interventions are efficacious to promote mental health and well-being among high-stress occupations. Methods: The POLICE study is a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three assessment points (baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up) where police officers were randomized to mindfulness-based health promotion (MBHP) (n = 88) or a waiting list (n = 82). This article focuses on QoL, depression and anxiety symptoms, and religiosity outcomes. Mechanisms of change and MBHP feasibility were evaluated. Results: Significant group × time interaction was found for QoL, depression and anxiety symptoms, and non-organizational religiosity. Between-group analysis showed that MBHP group exhibited greater improvements in QoL, and depression and anxiety symptoms at both post-intervention (QoL d = 0.69 to 1.01; depression d = 0.97; anxiety d = 0.73) and 6-month follow-up (QoL d = 0.41 to 0.74; depression d = 0.60; anxiety d = 0.51), in addition to increasing non-organizational religiosity at post-intervention (d = 0.31). Changes on self-compassion mediated the relationship between group and pre-to-post changes for all QoL domains and facets. Group effect on QoL overall health facet at post-intervention was moderated by mindfulness trait and spirituality changes. Conclusion: MBHP is feasible and efficacious to improve QoL, and depression and anxiety symptoms among Brazilian officers. Results were maintained after 6 months. MBHP increased non-organizational religiosity, although the effect was not sustained 6 months later. To our knowledge, this is the first mindfulness-based intervention RCT to empirically demonstrate these effects among police officers. Self-compassion, mindfulness trait, and spirituality mechanisms of change are examined. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov. identifier: NCT03114605.

Potential alternative feed sources for ruminant feeding from the biodiesel production chain by-products

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, fractionation of nitrogen compounds and carbohydrates, digestibility parameters, gas production kinetics and ruminal fermentation of fruit seed cakes. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three fruit seed cakes (treatments) and four replications. The cakes were made of seeds of custard apple (Annona squamosa), soursop (Annona muricata) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), which were collected in a biodiesel plant. The passion fruit seed cake presented the highest content of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre crude protein (NDFcp), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and total carbohydrates (P&lt;0.05). The custard apple seed cake presented high proportions of crude protein, condensed tannins and digestible energy (P&lt;0.05). The soursop seed cake presented higher values for ether extract and total digestible nutrients (P&lt;0.05). For potential degradability, the authors detected a difference between the custard apple, soursop and passion fruit seed cakes. The total volume of gases was higher for custard apple and soursop seed cakes. Custard apple seed cake presented higher proportions of in vitro degradation parameters (P&lt;0.05). Thus this cake could provide greater nutrient levels when supplied in ruminant diets, followed by soursop seed cake and passion fruit seed cake. Keywords: alternative food, by-products, ruminant feeding, seed cake, semi-ari

Electrostatic Dust Detection and Removal for ITER

We present some recent results on two innovative applications of microelectronics technology to dust inventory measurement and dust removal in ITER. A novel device to detect the settling of dust particles on a remote surface has been developed in the laboratory. A circuit board with a grid of two interlocking conductive traces with 25 μm spacing is biased to 30 – 50 V. Carbon particles landing on the energized grid create a transient short circuit. The current flowing through the short circuit creates a voltage pulse that is recorded by standard nuclear counting electronics and the total number of counts is related to the mass of dust impinging on the grid. The particles typically vaporize in a few seconds restoring the previous voltage standoff. Experience on NSTX however, showed that in a tokamak environment it was still possible for large particles or fibers to remain on the grid causing a long term short circuit. We report on the development of a gas puff system that uses helium to clear such particles. Experiments with varying nozzle designs, backing pressures, puff durations, and exit flow orientations have given an optimal configuration that effectively removes particles from an area up to 25 cm² with a single nozzle. In a separate experiment we are developing an advanced circuit grid of three interlocking traces that can generate a miniature electrostatic traveling wave for transporting dust to a suitable exit port. We have fabricated such a 3-pole circuit board with 25 micron insulated traces that operates with voltages up to 200 V. Recent results showed motion of dust particles with the application of only 50 V bias voltage. Such a device could potentially remove dust continuously without dedicated interventions and without loss of machine availability for plasma operations

Multicenter Adaptation Of The Guide Autonomous Management Of Medication

Rising psychotropic prescriptions and low empowerment of mental health users hamper qualified delivery of mental health services in Brazil and countries providing universal healthcare. This multicentric study performed in three Brazilian cities aimed to develop the Brazilian translation and adaptation upon the Quebecoise-Canadian Gaining Autonomy and Medication (GAM) Guide; and to evaluate the impact of its use on mental health workers education. Intervention Groups (IGs) were held to provide experience sharing on medication as relevant issues were brought up by the guide. Pre- and post- IGs focus groups were held. Major changes to the original text of the Quebecoise handbook were necessary according to the Brazilian scenario. Results show the Brazilian version as a powerful strategy to promote users' participation in decision making concerning treatment as well as the mental health services they are in treatment at. The handbook also has a positive impact on staff education.1643967980Secretaria Municipal de Campinas (2010) Informações da Secretaria Municipal de Campinas Departamento de Saúde, Saúde Mental, , CAMPINASCampos, G.W.S., (2000) Um Método Para Análise E Co-gestão De Coletivos - a Construção Do Sujeito, a Produção De Valor De Uso E a Democracia Em Instituições: O Método Da Roda, , São Paulo: HucitecCampos, G.W.S., Onocko, R.C., Co-construção de autonomia: O sujeito em questão (2005) A Construção Da Clínica Ampliada Na Atenção Básica, pp. 86-107. , CAMPOS, G.W.SMINAYO, M.C.SAKERMAN, M.CUNHA, G.T. (Orgs), São Paulo: HucitecFurtado, J.P., Onocko, R.C., Participation, knowledge production, and evaluative research: Participation by different actors in a mental health study (2008) Cad Saude Publica, 24 (11), pp. 2671-2680Gadamer, H.G., (1997) Verdade E Método: Traços Fundamentais De Uma Hermenêutica Filosófica, , Petrópolis: Editora VozesHull, S.A., Aquino, P., Cotter, S., Explaining variation in antidepressant prescribing rates in east London: A cross sectional study (2005) Fam Pract, 22 (1), pp. 37-42International Narcotics Control Board (2010) Psychotropic Substances, , http://www.incb.org/pdf/technical-reports/psychotropics/2010/Psychotropic_Substances_Publication_2010.pdf, VIENNA. United Nations, Vienna: UN, Disponível em, Acesso em: 04 jul. 2012Kinoshita, R.T., Contratualidade e reabilitação psicossocial (1996) Reabilitação Psicossocial No Brasil, pp. 55-59. , PITTA, A. (Org.), São Paulo: HucitecMaragno, L., Prevalence of common mental disorders in a population covered by the Family Health Program (QUALIS) in Sao Paulo, Brazil (2006) Cad Saude Publica, 22 (8), pp. 1639-1648Marques, C.C., (2012) Entre Nós: Sobre Mudar De Lugar E Produzir Diferenças, , 2012. Dissertação (Mestrado) - Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto AlegreOnocko, C.R.T., Avaliação de estratégias inovadoras na organização da Atenção Primária à Saúde (2012) Rev. Saúde Pública, 46 (1). , http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-89102012000100006&lng=en&nrm=iso, São Paulo, Feb, Disponível em, Acesso em: 04 jul. 2012. Epub Dec 13,2011. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102011005000083Onocko, C.R.T., Furtado, J.P., Narratives: Use in qualitative health-related research (2008) Rev Saude Publica, 42 (6), pp. 1090-1096Otanari, T.M.C., (2011) A Experiência De Participação Dos Residentes De Psiquiatria E Saúde Mental Nos Grupos De Gestão Autônoma Da Medicação? (GAM): Possíveis Efeitos Na Formação, , 2011. Dissertação (Mestrado). Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, CampinasRegier, D.A., The NIMH Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program: Historical context, major objectives, and study population characteristics (1984) Arch Gen Psychiatry, 41 (10), pp. 934-941Rodriguez, L., Perron, N., Ouellette, J.N., Psicotrópicos e saúde mental: Escutar ou regular o sofrimento? (2008) Pesquisa Avaliativa Em Saúde Mental: Desenho Participativo E Efeitos Da Narratividade, pp. 125-162. , ONOCKO CAMPOS, R.FURTADO, J.P.PASSOS, E.BENEVIDES, R. (Orgs), São Paulo: HucitecRodriguez, L., Corin, E., Poirel, M.L., Le point de vue des utilisateurs sur l'emploi de la médication en psychiatrie: Une voix ignorée (2001) Revue Québécoise De Psychologie, 22 (2), pp. 1-23Ricouer, P., (1997) Tempo E Narrativa, , Campinas: PapirusRicouer, P., (1990) Interpretação E Ideologias, , Rio de Janeiro: Francisco AlvesSantos, D.V.D., (2009) Uso De Psicotrópicos Da Atenção Primária Do Distrito Sudoeste De Campinas E Sua Relação Com Os Arranjos Da Clínica Ampliada: Uma Pedra No Sapato, , 2009. 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Predictors of long-term adverse events after Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation: a 1,933-patient pooled analysis from international registries

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of long-term adverse clinical events after implantation of the everolimus-eluting Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS). Methods and results: We pooled patient-level databases derived from the large-scale ABSORB EXTEND study and five high-volume international centres. Between November 2011 and November 2015, 1,933 patients underwent PCI with a total of 2,372 Absorb BVS implanted. The median age was 61.0 (IQR 53.0 to 68.6) years, 24% had diabetes, and 68.2% presented with stable coronary artery disease. At a median follow-up of 616 days, MACE occurred in 93 (4.9%) patients, all-cause death in 36 (1.9%) patients, myocardial infarction in 47 (2.5%) patients, and target vessel revascularisation in 72 (3.8%) patients. Definite or probable scaffold thrombosis occurred in 26 (1.3%) patients. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, acute coronary syndromes (hazard ratio [HR] 2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47 to 5.29; p=0.002), dyslipidaemia (HR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.23 to 1.79; p=0.007), scaffold/reference diameter ratio &gt;1.25 (HR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.88; p=0.001), and residual stenosis &gt;15% (HR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.34 to 2.07; p&lt;0.001) were independent predictors of MACE, whereas the use of intravascular imaging was independently associated with a reduction in MACE (HR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.28; p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Optimal Absorb BVS implantation and the use of intravascular imaging guidance are associated with lower rates of adverse events at long-term follow-up